Warmer, sunnier days bring more time spent outdoors and, hopefully, more delicious cookouts! If you’ve considered creating an outdoor kitchen, you may know it’s easy to get bogged down by all of the different options – from appliances and materials to lighting and overall style. But if you follow the essential tips below, you’ll soon have an inviting space made for entertaining and cooking al fresco. Plan With a Purpose: Before you start perusing Pinterest and other websites for inspiration, consider how you want this outdoor space to serve YOU. Will it be primarily for small family meals, hosting events, or barbecues? Knowing this ahead of time will help guide your decisions in the long run, making everything easier to create your perfect outdoor kitchen. You’ll also want to consider things like the size of your outdoor space, the weather in your area, and what functionality options you’ll need.Choose Durable Materials: Once you have an idea of what you want this space to look like, you’ll want to select durable materials that can withstand various weather conditions. For an outdoor kitchen, you’ll want to opt for materials like stainless steel, stone, and tile because they’re resistant to rust, fading, and moisture damage. Luckily, durable doesn’t mean drab – you can still create a stunning aesthetic with these materials!Select Appliances You’ll Utilize: There’s no use having a grill if you’re not actually going to use it. Consider how you want to use your outdoor kitchen and what makes the most sense for you. If you do want a grill as a centerpiece, will it be gas, charcoal, or a combination? Will you need a refrigerator and sink? Consider how much storage you’ll want as well to keep any utensils and supplies organized. Depending on your cooking preferences, you may also want to include a pizza oven, a smoker, or a built-in stovetop!Consider Countertop Space: Having sufficient countertop space is essential for food prep, plating, and serving in your outdoor kitchen. Again, you’ll want to consider durable materials like granite or quartz that are easy to clean and maintain in an outdoor environment. The addition of an outdoor bar or an island with seating for extra workspace could be something to consider as well. Don’t Forget Lighting and Shade: Outdoor kitchens should be well-lit to ensure both safety and functionality, especially during evening cookouts. Be sure to install adequate lighting, including task lighting for food preparation areas, ambient lighting for the dining space, and any accent lighting. Additionally, you’ll want to provide shade to protect from direct sunlight or rain – this shade can come in the form of pergolas, umbrellas, or retractable awnings.Comfortable Seating and Entertainment: While having the proper appliances is key, if your aim is ultimately to entertain and create an inviting space, you’ll want to incorporate seating options that are not only cozy but weather-resistant as well! Add a dining table and chairs for formal meals, and create fun lounge areas with outdoor sofas, chairs, and coffee tables. Don't forget to add in an outdoor sound system or a mounted TV if you’re looking to spend a lot of time in this area!The key to creating the perfect outdoor kitchen is simple: plan with purpose! From there, everything else will fall into place. From choosing durable materials and selecting essential appliances, to determining proper lighting and shade, you’ll soon have a great space for cooking and entertaining.

As a homeowner, there are likely countless home repairs you need to attend to. From fixing a leaky faucet to repairing a damaged drywall, it can be difficult to know whether you should attempt these repairs on your own or hire a professional. Below, we'll provide you with a helpful guide so you can determine whether or not to DIY certain home repairs.Time and EffortThe first factor you should consider is the time and effort it will take to complete the repair. While DIY repairs may save you money, they can be extremely time-consuming and require a lot of effort– especially if you’re unsure what you’re doing. You may find yourself down a YouTube rabbit hole when a professional could do the same job with little effort or time needed. So, if you're short on time or have limited skills, it may be more practical to hire a professional.Skill LevelAnother essential factor to consider is your skill level. Some home repairs require specialized skills and knowledge that you may not possess. Attempting these repairs on your own can lead to further damage or personal injury. As much as you may want to DIY a project, it’s important to be honest about your abilities and don't hesitate to call a professional when necessary.CostOne of the primary reasons homeowners attempt DIY repairs is to save money. However, it's essential to weigh the cost of the repair against the cost of hiring a professional. In some cases, hiring a professional may be more cost-effective in the long run, particularly if you're not confident in your abilities.SafetySafety should always be a priority when it comes to home repairs. Some repairs, such as electrical or plumbing, can be dangerous if not done correctly. If you're unsure about your safety or the safety of your family, it's best to hire a professional. Better safe than sorry!ComplexityThe complexity of the repair is another crucial factor to consider. Some repairs may seem simple on the surface, but they may actually require specialized tools or knowledge. Before you know it, you may be spending money and time on extras that you never accounted for. Assess the complexity of the repair before you decide to DIY or hire a professional.Based on these factors, here are some DIY repairs you can consider and others that may warrant the help of a professional: Repairs you can attempt to DIY:Minor plumbing repairs, such as fixing a leaky faucet or replacing a toilet flapperPainting and minor drywall repairs, such as patching small holesInstalling light fixtures, ceiling fans, and other small electrical projectsInstalling shelving, window treatments, and other basic carpentry projectsCleaning gutters and replacing damaged gutter partsBasic landscaping tasks, such as mowing the lawn and trimming bushesRepairs you may want to hire a professional for:Major plumbing repairs, such as replacing pipes or water heatersElectrical repairs that involve rewiring, adding circuits, or working with the electrical panelRoof repairs or replacementsStructural repairs, such as foundation or framing workHVAC repairs and installationsLarge-scale landscaping or tree removalAnything involving working at heights or in dangerous conditions, such as on a roof or with heavy machineryRemember, if you are unsure about the complexity or safety of a repair, it is always better to err on the side of caution and hire a professional. A DIY repair that goes wrong can end up costing you more time and money in the long run, and can even be dangerous. Always consider your skill level, time, effort, cost, safety, and complexity of the repair. By doing so, you'll be able to make an informed decision that's right for you and your home!